Chapter 21

Equivalent

Exchange

"I don't like it." Edward said, watching tall dark pines roll by.

Bright stars winked down from a cloudless sky and cast shadows across the rough dirt road. He sat in the front seat of Jack's Model T touring sedan, while Jack steered the vehicle down the mountainous carriage paths of the Bavarian Black Forest Mountains.

It was a rough ride, and the car jostled the small group endlessly. It made Edward's back ache, and stomach churn.

"Don't like what?" Jack asked, glancing over to Edward.

"Getting out was too easy." Edward remarked. He looked over his shoulder. Alphonse was curled up in the back, head against the side of the vehicle, hugging Einstein. The boy was fast asleep. Noa sat beside him, her gaze on the side of the road.

"What do you mean easy?" Jack inquired. "Do you realize what your brother just did?"

"Alchemy." Edward replied sinking back into his seat. He pulled his frock coat closer to his body. "He's never shown that kind of power."

"Whatever." Jack exhaled shaking his head. "It was easy because no one here knows how to deal with that kind of power."

Sighing, Edward leaned his head on the doorframe and watched the road roll by. The snow on the trees glinted in the light like crystal lights. "Envy wouldn't have just let us go." Edward explained. "He's up to something. He let us go."

"Maybe he couldn't deal with your brother, the walking adolescent god…" Jack's voice sounded shaken. What he had seen bothered him. Not that Edward blamed him; it wasn't every day he witnessed a 13 year old bring down the house -- literally.

"Heh, I could do far more in my day." Edward remarked matter of fact. "Al wouldn't intimidate him. Never. He knows, even though Al is very powerful right now, he's soft. Al didn't kill a single person in that place. Not even Hans or Gregor. I saw them dragging their sorry asses out of the moat as we drove away. No, Envy knows that's Al's weakness, and he'd use it on him to get in a shot." Which meant Envy had more sinister plans. The green haired homunculus wasn't the sort to work alone. He was probably scheming with someone else and let them escape. Which meant he was likely aware of their plans.

In the back, Alphonse squirmed and whispered in his sleep. Noa looked in the boy's direction, and drew closer to the car door. "We are going to the flower shop, Edward?"

Edward Elric inhaled, glancing to Jack. "I know Gracia and Officer Hughes will help." He said. "When we stop, you call the number I gave you. If Al is right, they'll help."

Jack didn't look pleased, and focused on the road. "This entire mess is out of my hands, isn't it Ed?"

He was stating the plainly obvious. Ed didn't think it was a bad thing everything was out of Jack's hands. He crossed his arms behind his head, and closed his eyes. "And that's a bad thing for you? Good. I feel like my life is a little more under control."

"Great, just great, my life, and my career, are being batted around by two megalomaniacal teenagers." Ed felt the vehicle take a turn. "So, we visit these friends of yours, then where, Ed?'

That was a problem, Ed didn't like the idea, but Al insisted. "Cardiff. Al says there is a rift there. Something about ghosts, and a rift." He cracked an eye open, wondering exactly what Jack's purpose was in giving the boy the book. "So what do you know about it?"

"About as much as you do." Jack replied. He sounded more or less as sincere as Ed would expect him to be. "Let's say, I know a little about rifts, Ed."

"I'm listening." Edward fumbled out his notebook and a pen.

"You're taking GODDAMNED notes?" Jack glanced at him, shaking his head. He fingered the steering wheel, easing the car over yet another narrow mountain road.

"Yes, I'm taking goddamned notes." Ed snapped. "For Al. When I die he needs to know what I know." He impatiently waved the pen. "Now stop wasting my fucking time." A brief glance told Edward Al was still fast asleep. That damned cat was curled in his lap now.

Noa watched them with interest. He wondered if she was all right. She looked cold. They should have brought blankets. He was cold too. Nonetheless, Edward Elric removed his frock coat and handed it back to the woman. "Use this as a blanket."

"I couldn't Edward." Noa pushed the coat away. "Please, put it back on."

Didn't she understand? Regardless of what they did and said, he was going to be dead within the next few months. It didn't matter if he got ill, he would die anyway. "You are my wife," He said firmly. "I insist."

Wordlessly she took it from him and placed it on her lap. He was sure she sensed his thoughts on the matter. Her lack of argument told him she wasn't deluding herself about the severity of his condition.

"I'm sorry." Jack apologized. "I'm just a little tense." He looked at what looked like a watch on his arm, just for a moment. "I know enough about rifts to know they're often openings to other dimensions and sometimes they're cracks in spacetime created by temporal disturbances."

"What kind of disturbances?" Ed couldn't help it. The subject was fascinating. "The book you gave me, I read some more on black holes, something like that? They effect time… I suspect the energy they give off is tremendous."

"Not Cardiff." Jack informed him. "No, there are theories. My…"he licked his lips, showing he wasn't comfortable being on the interrogation end of things. "…organization, has no idea exactly WHAT caused the rift, only that something cataclysmic created it. These rifts give off a great deal of energy…"

"Yes, but why?" Edward asked. "The rift we used had the gate; and the gate converted souls."

Jack looked distant. "Not familiar with ANYTHING capable of doing that. I mean on that scale." He scratched his head.

"The gate IS God…" Edward tried to get his mind around it. "At least, I thought it was…" But Jack seemed to approach the gate as if it were something smaller. Then again, if the universe was larger than two parallel worlds, which Jack's book implied, the gate was just some small drop in a vast sea.

But Edward had a very difficult time believing that. "Ok, what about these rifts; why is there power?"

Jack smiled. "Because they're rips in the fabric of time and space, Ed, think of the laws of Physics. Time is in constant motion for eternity. That in itself is going to release a great deal of residual power."

But for that power to be converted into Alchemy energy, they would need a machine, or, like in the gate's case, a metaphysical force to convert it. Yet somehow, Jack went on the assumption that he and Alphonse could do it with their Alchemy. "We'll need something to do the conversion. A machine: but I haven't even had time to consider making one, let alone finding a way to measure the energy of this rift and theorizing how we could convert it to Alchemical energy."

Jack's gaze was distant. "A machine…" He glanced over to Edward, features unreadable. "You are one."

"What the hell do you mean?" Edward looked confused. "Granted, the human brain is a machine of sorts, but it isn't capable of making those kinds of conversions." Edward tapped his notebook with his pencil. "But you think Al and I can?"

Jack shrugged. "Something like that, Ed. If I understand this whole mess right, both you and Al can do these mathematical conversions in your heads and you convert them using this "information" you got from the gate to make complex formulas to make things out of the existing matter around you. So, why can't you do that with the rift? Make a formula that will "convert the energy" to what you need. Isn't it just manipulating things on a subatomic level, with pure math…"

He was right. Edward considered Jack's words. Certainly there was something in the Truth that would help them to make such a conversion. He nodded, and jotted a few things down. He would have to come up with an array that would work. "So, why are you an expert on Alchemy?"

"I'm not." Jack retorted. "I know nothing about alchemy, but I do know something about temporal physics, and enough to know that where I come from, there were beings capable of manipulating matter with Math, like you and Al. But you don't need to know any more, Ed."

He detected worry in Jack's voice. "Why?" Edward asked, curious. "I mean what difference would it make? Al wants to take us home, so in the great scheme of things, we'll have nothing to do with this world ever again."

"You really believe that, Ed?" Jack asked. He looked over his shoulder at Al and Noa. "You and I both know I was sent by someone because of you… And Al."

Yes, he suspected it. Edward thought of the book and discussion he had with Al. "You're a soldier." He said evenly. "Special ops right?"

"Sort of, closer to a spy." Jack explained. "I was sent to find out what you and Al were, and to retrieve one of you."

Edward frowned. "Which is why you got all sweet on Al."

"I like Al." Jack replied with sincerity. "I'm not a bad guy, Ed. People are concerned you guys are going to change things, and that it will resort in something catastrophic." He turned his attention to the road. "Now that I know WHAT you guys are, I'm hesitant. I suspect my superiors weren't telling me everything. And so, I'm reluctant to just hand either of you over."

"I see." The man wasn't telling him the entire truth, but Edward could live with it, for now. Jack was taking risks saying what he was saying, and was probably doing it for Al. Edward still didn't like the man, but he had faith his little brother would eventually get what they needed out of him. "So, he got to you?"

"Something like that." Jack didn't sound like he regretted it. "I'll tell you what it is, Ed. In MY career, a man doesn't get involved with his work. It's always a role to get what you need."

Jack used people. Edward saw that. "But you see yourself as one of the good guys." Edward emphasized the word good guys. "And good guys don't hurt kids."

"Yeah, you got that." Jack gritted his teeth. "My orders implied something entirely different."

"Different?" Ed lifted a brow. "What did they imply?"

"You weren't people. Not in the sense that you were alien either."

What in the gate's name did Jack mean with that? Ed stared at the man, trying to puzzle out his words. IF they weren't people, what they hell would they be? Homunculus? "Aliens? Martians you mean?" He was thinking of War of the Worlds, a HG Wells novel. "So in the future you come from, Humans have encountered Martians? I know Tesla has been trying to communicate with them, and Lodge had a few theories."

Jack shook his head. "No, and I don't we should discuss it anymore Ed. What I was told was wrong. Keep it at that. I'm going to help you, Noa and Al, if you will let me, Ok?"

"And the less we know, the better?" Edward asked. He didn't like the sound of that. Jack came from another time and was a host of scientific information, how could he expect Edward, a man of science just let that go? He gave an exasperated sigh. "Damn you. Do you know what I think?" Edward began. "Al and I don't belong here and you were sent to either destroy us or retrieve us as weapons."

"That word was used." Jack informed, his attention shifted to Al.

Edward heard his little brother murmur something and curl his knees up. Einstein jumped off the boy's lap and climbed to his shoulders. "Alchemists are weapons where we come from." Thoughtful, Edward scribbled a few notes down, mostly on Jack's theory on what they could do and stared down at it. "Math, machines, matter…" He side glanced Jack, who had fallen silent. The man was from the future, he wasn't denying it, nor did he deny he was sent for them. Or was he sent after the gate? Only time would tell. "So," he began. "My next question is, what in fuck's name does a society that can travel time want with two Alchemists, who aren't even from this world? Hmm? What do we have that they want, Jack?"

By the strained look on Jack's face, Ed could tell the man was asking himself the same question. "If what I think is right? They want the truth, Ed, because within the truth there is infinite knowledge of all space-time. It's power Ed. With the right technology, whoever controls the truth and what lies beyond the gate controls the universe. And you and Al, my friend, are its keys."

&&&&

Alphonse

Standing on a hilltop, Al looked across the rolling pastures of Rizenbol's plentiful farmlands. It was spring, and patches of color dotted the green like a colorful quilt laid across the landscape. He felt warm but empty inside. He missed home, and inhaled the fresh welcoming breeze, savoring the smell of wildflowers and wheat.

"I knew I could find you here." A boy's voice lifted Alphonse's interest to the sky. Stretching as far as they eye could see was a sea of white, not brilliant blue as his memory said it would be. The great gold and black doors of the gate leered mockingly over him. Dwarfed by

its mass Alphonse Elric felt small and unimportant. Yet, despite the encroaching terror, this place seemed peaceful and inviting. Standing in the veil of translucent luminosity, a young man with unruly dark hair materialized. The mischievous curve of his lips, and glint of darkness hinted in his innocent eyes brought back a wash of recognition and flood of pain.

Al felt his heart skip a beat. Grief and guilt bathed his heart. If he could die then, he would have rather than face the child he had given as equivalent exchange to the gate.

"Al…" The boy's feet touched the ground and he approached him. "It waits."

Unable to move, Alphonse's eyes widened. There was no hatred or anger on the boy's face. Just sadness. Wrath after all, wanted Al to transmute him.

Wrath circled his arms around Alphonse Elric's waist and pressed his chin on the boy's shoulder. It was warm, and sent tingles down Al's spine. "I hear your heart beat. It is strong. I miss hearing it."

Confused, Alphonse embraced the slender form, savoring the weight in his arms. It couldn't be real, he thought. What was it? Only a few months ago he and Wrath set out to open the gate. Wrath gave his life so Al could rescue his brother and Al never forgave himself for it. "I transmuted you. And you don't have a soul." Al mumbled, feeling numb.

Large violet eyes met his Wrath slipped his hands to Al's shoulders. "What is a soul Al?" The homunculus asked, cocking his head to the side. He smiled warmly at Al. "You made me a soul, Alphonse. You gave me a piece of yours while transmuting the gate." His hand touched the

boy's face, tracing tears down Alphonse's check. "I am grateful. It allowed me to be with mother, thank you."

It was difficult to take in the boy's words. Wrath was telling him he had a soul. One Alphonse made, but Al had no memory of consciously doing so. He had wished it yes, but wishing was not making. Alphonse tilted his head, feeling overwhelmed.

"You don't understand, do you? Al, you're special. You made a soul." Wrath's features hardened. "And that is why I am here to give you a warning, so you better listen. It waits for you. We are not so different in many ways Al…"

"Not different?" He said felling a chill. Alchemists were not able to make souls. How was he able too? What made him so different? "I know it wants me, is it because I am a philosopher's stone?"

"Stupid." Wrath shook his head, affection flickering in his cold gaze. "I told you why, you just never want to listen." He face twitched. "We are no different in our creation. You are as much as a part of it as I am. That, in combination with your ability to detach parts of your

soul makes you the only Alchemist able to create them for it." Wrath continued. "Beware." His hands dropped down to Al's and closed something between his fingers, and turned to face the gate. He closed his eyes against tears. "I hope I don't see you again."

"Don't go…' Alphonse reached out, feeling the boy's hair slip past his fingers. "Wrath!" He called out, just barely hearing his own sobs, as the boy vanished into the light of the gate. Fighting his pain, Alphonse looked down focusing on the object in his hand. It was a gold ring, with an array on it.

Puzzled he studied it. Seconds ticked by. His examination only filled his mind with more and more questions.

Thoughtful, the boy touched the ring. Why had Wrath given it to him? What did it mean? He turned it over in his palm, carefully examining the seal. The array was like nothing like he never even seen before.

It was a circle with an infinity symbol, with swirls and patterns in the middle of each circle. Curiosity wrinkled his brow. It was familiar, but he had never seen it before.

The gentle tunes of a recorder captured Al's attention. Perplexed he made eye contact with a strange little man, seated crossed legged in the grass a few feet away. He wore checked pants, a blue shirt, suspenders and a very tall black hat. He was a strange looking fellow and rather out of place. The man looked though unruly dark bangs.

"Things have gotten crowded in here of late." He said absently. "People being born, people dying, people crossing over in and out… Its is a bit troublesome you know, for those of us who are just memories."

"Memories?" Confused, Alphonse asked, sitting beside the man. He studied him. "We're all just a collection of memories," the boy explained. He twirled a finger in the air. "It is what makes us sentient…"

"Hmm, I see. Rather thoughtful for someone so young, aren't you?" The little fellow tooted a few more notes on his recorder. He stopped for a moment, looking over to Al. "What is the truth then?"

Alphonse drew his knees up, looking at the ring in his hand. That was a strange question. It made him wonder if the man knew something he didn't. "The truth is the truth, nothing more, nothing less."

"It's a bit to simplistic for a lad with a mind like yours." The man said, he placed the recorder on his lap and folded his arms. He pouted. "And I gave you a rather big clue too."

"Memories?" Alphonse wrinkled his nose. He scratched his head, wondering exactly where this character had come from. "Well I guess you could call it them. A collection of memories going back to creation itself, perhaps even to the end of time. But I don't think it is that, well that comprehensible."

"It isn't, but your mind is, young Alphonse, it puts things in terms it is capable of understanding."

"Like talking to funny old man with a hat, rather than a set of big doors, bright light and writhing tentacles?" It was a poor attempt at a joke and Al felt his heart lurch at the thought of the gate and what it had done to him in the past.

The hurt that washed over the man's face quickly faded into concern. He touched the boy's arm, and gave it a pat. "It's done awful things, I am aware, lad. I'm dreadfully sorry, you're a very good boy, and you've done a splendid job keeping it from getting to you. But the truth is a little more complex than a funny old man and what you've

experienced." He dropped his hand away, leaning back, looking skyward. "But I suppose you could put it that way. But don't make the mistake, thinking the truth and the gate are the same thing. They aren't."

"I won't" Alphonse fingered the ring, puzzling out exactly what he was seeing. Was the old man a metaphor for what lie beyond the gate? He never considered the truth having any intelligence behind it. In fact, both he and his brother looked at it as an award to be won, for looking within the gate and he, Alphonse Elric had indeed looked

inside off the gate. "Why you? Why not my father? Or someone I know, surly I'd be more comforted by someone like Izumi or say mother…"

"Because they are with you. And I am one of the few memories capable of expressing itself." The old man informed, he picked up the recorder and twirled it in his fingers. "I'm quite pleased with how you and

your brother turned out, actually, your world too. Rather fond of it."

"So am I." Alphonse informed. The man changed the subject, as if it was something he couldn't discuss. Alphonse jiggled the ring and held it up to the light. "Than you are God then?"

Shaking his head the old man placed a hand to his mouth and coughed. "Certainly not, nor would I want the job. Too much responsibility you know. I prefer the quite life, well as quiet as it can be. I do find myself incapable of keeping my nose out of things." He paused. "Well,

not really me, being a memory and all, but that's neither here or there…." He paused. "Equivalent Exchange, Alphonse. It is a very important property when taken in its proper context. Especially to what YOU are."

"I'm human." Al said. "That is what I am, brother and I are, human."

"Human, indeed." The man looked sad, but at the same time, proud. "Young man." He indicated to the ring. "Your destiny lies within your hands now. That seal, is your future, and a symbol for your freedom. Remember it well, it just may be useful for you."

Alphonse watched the man stiffly come to his feet, stretching. The setting sun cast shadows across the landscape, and just a moment, instead of the lush greens of a summer field and bright skies he saw a desolate wasteland filled with broken ruins and clay covered earth.

"Yes, Rizenbol is more pleasant place isn't it Al?" The little man smiled. "I like it. Indeed, it is a pity your brother keeps denying how fond of it he is."

"Will we ever find there? Rizenbol I mean?"

A hand curled around his. "My dear boy, Rizenbol is where your heart is. All you need to do is look within and you will be there. Now, I've wasted enough of your time. Off with you… Keep that brother of yours out of trouble. The boy is far worse than I will ever be…" He wrinkled

his nose. "Well maybe, but I hardly caused the large amounts of collateral damage… For the most part…"

The image broke up, leaving Alphonse laying in the dark, hearing his own breath in and exhale steadily. The boy had no idea when they had arrived at Gracia's flower shop only that he woke up in a bed, covers drawn to his chin, in a dark room. He was exhausted, and it was difficult to open his eyes. But he managed, just a crack, enough to

recognize the dark floorboards and pale white walls. It was Alfons Heidrich's old room, though stripped of his books and other belongings.

The room was dark, and only the pale light underneath the door cast faint cowering shadows across the floor.

A sweet warm smell filtered in reminding Alphonse of pasties and pie. Gracia must have been baking; it filled the apartment with welcome warmth the Kaiser's castle had denied.

It was ironic that he, Alphonse Elric lay in his alter's bed, staring at the tall plastered ceiling, that no doubt, Alfons himself stared at many times before.

Edward missed the man, though he never mentioned it to the boy. Alphonse could tell. Brother never talked about the people he denied loving.

Letting his eyes roll shut, he listened in the darkness and pondered his dream. It seemed very real, and he could almost feel the weight of the ring Wrath gave him in his hand. Yet, when he opened his fingers, there was nothing there, save a memory.

The array on its face was etched in his mind. So it could have been more than a dream.

Brother's voice spoke in the kitchen, and Alphonse could hear the familiar voices of Noa and Jack.

"We were very concerned for you." Gracia said from the other side. "Mae's was distraught when you collapsed at the wedding Edward."

Edward gave a snort. "Wedding… It was no wedding."

"We are grateful you are allowing us to stay here." Noa's voice quickly drowned out Edward's annoyance."

"It will only be a few days." Jack added. "If you folks don't mind, me leaving these kids in your care, so I can arrange some train tickets and a ship to Wales."

"Wales? I understand London, Ed, but Cardiff?" Officer Hughes's voice didn't sound pleased.

Working up his strength, Alphonse carefully sat up and lowered his feet to the floor. At the foot of his bed, Einstein watched him, large green eyes blinking with concern.

Al patted the cat on the head and carefully lifted his body up. Dizziness kept him from standing too quickly. After a moment of sitting, he climbed to his feet tiptoed across the room.

"I know you can't understand this, Hughes." Edward began. "But we need to find a way to send Al home. He can't stay here. Not after I die."

They were talking about him. Al felt his gut tighten. Brother was making plans in case he died. Edward always thought of him above all else. Alphonse Elric leaned into the wall, wondering when his brother's sacrifices would stop.

"I see." Hughes sounded very worried. "No offense to your friend, but I'm a little wary of anyone who worked for Kaiser."

Ed laughed. "Kaiser? Heh, I honestly don't think he'll be bothering us for a while now. As for Jack, he's an asshole, but Al thinks he means well."

Jack snorted. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Ed."

"No problem."

"Edward, you, Noa and Al are welcome here, as long as you can stay." Gracia said. There was a pause, and Al heard the shuffling of feet and the moving of chairs. "And, Al is welcome to live here with us, if needed."

Alphonse's hand hovered over the doorknob. He didn't want to stay with Gracia and Hughes, he wanted to be with his brother, even if he died, Al would somehow follow him. The boy swallowed hard, waiting to hear

Jack's voice, or Noa's but heard nothing.

It was Ed who replied. "Thank you, but that won't be necessary, like I said, Al is going home."

Alphonse Elric took a deep breath. He'd have to do something about his brother, and soon. The longer he waited the faster life drained from fair-haired Alchemist.

The boy gave a sigh, and turned himself back around. He'd have to rest. If he were to heal brother soon, he needed all of his strength to do the transmutation.

&&&&

Al was surprised it took three days to gain the strength to move about freely. Not bothered, he stayed in bed, while Gracia tended to his needs. Edward and Noa visited often, but for the most part, Al studied oncology and any experimental treatments they designed for Leukemia.

He started to understand why his brother was so negative on the matter. The transmutation would be complex and risky, to both participants, but Al knew beyond a shadow of a doubt it was necessary. His brother wasn't doing any better, and more than once, Al woke up to his brother's violent vomiting in the other room.

When Edward wasn't ill, he sat at Al's side, insisting on reading to him. Together, they read the first installments of Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories and the Adventures of Alan Quartermain.

It surprised Al; his brother acted more interested in sharing fiction than studying. When asked, Edward merely gave a sad smile and told Al he never took the time to enjoy stories and wanted to do so until his time was up.

Secretly Al knew, when he slept, his brother was studying and researching the books Jack gave him. The same books, Al studied with his medical journals when he awoke to find his brother fast asleep.

&&&&

By the end of the three days, Jack returned with tickets to Wales. They said their farewells to Maes and Gracia Hughes and left.

It took a day by train to reach the ocean and another few days by ship. Some how, Jack booked them first class tickets on the Whitestar Liner, Majestic. They had a spacious stateroom, with three joining cabins.

There had been no sign of Kaiser, other than newspaper articles about how the miss handling of explosives brought down his estate. There was no mention, of Professor Elric and his wife.

For now, they could relax.

Edward took to sitting on the promenade deck of the ship, bundled in his coat and a blanket. Alphonse found him one morning after the elder alchemist skipped breakfast. Sitting down beside the older boy, Alphonse hefted his oncology book on to his lap and watched the sea roll by.

The decks were made of polished oak, and the cabin behind them a clean white steel with polished portholes. The wooden chairs behind him were slotted and walnut glazed. They were fine reclining sun chairs,

but uncomfortable as all hell. It was no wonder Edward took to putting a pillow behind his back. "I'm still amazed by the electric lights in our cabin." Alphonse said, watching Edward's face.

"You've seen them before. But I suppose it is rather amazing to think they have them for a ship like this and the average home still runs on gas-light. Shows you what money can do."

A couple passed them by. The woman sported short hair, a large hat and knee length fur coat.

Edward watched them, wordlessly, than turned his attention to the battered notebook in his hand. "This place is loaded with money." He added. "I'm not entirely sure what Jack thought getting tickets for first class. We stand out."

Al shrugged. "He wanted you to be comfortable."

Edward snorted. "I guess he means well." He folded his hands over his notebook and meet Al's gaze. "It's cold out. Al, you should be in the cabin, with Noa."

It was cold, the sea breeze was bitter and without a blanket Alphonse felt uncomfortable. He wound his scarf around his face, and pulled his cap closer to his head. He was fortunate not to be wearing knickers today. His legs would freeze. "I was going to tell you the same."

"The air takes away the edge of the chemo." Edward explained. He closed his notebook, leaving a pencil as a bookmark. The older boy's attention fell to the large medical book in Al's hands. "Still working on an alchemical cure?"

Al nodded. "Still working on getting me out of here?"

Edward brushed his bangs from his face. He was no longer wearing it back. His hair had thinned some, and Al started to notice chunks of it were missing. The length hid the spots, but soon, nothing would hide it. "It's the last thing I have to do Al. Find a source, and send you home, with Noa."

"I'm glad you are still working on it. I see you finished your book too. Sherlock Holmes." The conversation more stilted than he liked, and Al squirmed, worried his brother had become self-conscious around him. "I'm going to heal you soon." Al explained. "I just need you to hang on just a little bit longer."

Edward drew his knees up, and hugged them. Wearily, he pressed his chin into them. "I'm not dying until you're home Al."

"Good. Than I guess I have time." Alphonse announced. He saw his brother tap his knees with his notebook and look off still.

Not only was the day cold, it was gray and filled with dark clouds. Alphonse inhaled the salty air. Yes, he saw why it took the edge off his brother's ill stomach. The air was crisp and invigorating. "We should compare notes."

"You think?" Edward side glanced him. "Because together, anything is possible. Have I told you I am proud, Alphonse?"

"Many times, Brother." Al studied Edward fondly; his

brother was melancholy of late and told him how proud he was of him three times at day, at the least. Al searched his pocket for his own notebook and pulled it out. He flipped it open and tapped a new array he had drawn the other day. "I dreamed about it the other day."

Edward eyed it. A look of fascination crossed his brow. "You are remembering the truth. Sometimes it would give me information in dreams." Edward took the book from Alphonse and traced the lines. "I've never seen anything like it. What does it do?"

Alphonse shrugged. "Lets us control our own destiny."

With a bitter laugh, Edward shook his head. "I need to understand the equations behind the design Al and how they pertain to controlling the rift."

"It's not how to control the rift he explained. This array will give us the truth." Alphonse said quickly. "Accessing the truth will allow us to get the information we need to do the conversions and to use the rift as a portal."

"A key to the truth? And bypassing the gate." Edward said. His voice filled with curiosity. He tapped his chin. He looked surprised, as well as pleased. "And you came up with this in a dream?"

"Absolutely." Al said, trying to sound like Jack. He pushed his hair from his shoulder. "I think it will work."

Edward didn't appear to have the strength to object. He shrugged, and looked along the deck. "Jack and I talked, Alphonse. I now believe being a philosopher stone will allow us to convert the energy. I suppose we will have to combine the Philosopher's stone array with this one…" He waved the notebook, its pages fluttering in the wind. A

glint of hope flickered in his eyes. "You still have energy to start the ritual, don't you Al?"

Al shrugged. "If I think about it, I still feel the souls, brother. Not many, but enough to do what I need to do."

A smile grew on Edward's face and he looked relieved. He handed back Alphonse his notebook. "Once we reach this rift, I will do the arrays, you will activate them, and search the truth for a way home."

"Brother, the rift only leads once place." Alphonse said. A seagull hovered over the deck, sharp eyes searching for food. "And we have no idea if it will lead home."

"Not necessarily." Edward dismissed his words with a hand. "You see Al, a rift is a tear in dimensional space. Theoretically, some rifts are actual holes leading to the space-time vortex. If we can find access to that, we can go anywhere, any time we want. Of course, in the future, people use machine to do this. They use these rifts to

enter the fourth and fifth dimension and travel."

"And Jack told you this?" Alphonse was amazed. He looked at his brother, stunned. Edward was implying Jack may have a working time machine. Something that could help them, and yet he hadn't offered it to assist them. The boy felt a pang of hurt.

"The book he gave me was very informative." Edward explained. Looking up though blond bangs, Alphonse noted the excitement in his voice. "And the fact he admitted to being a time traveler, the deduction was

logical."

"Brother." Feeling lost, Alphonse closed his eyes, feeling the wet of tears. "If he has a machine that does this, why can't he take us home?"

Ed shrugged. The young man didn't look surprised. "Because he works for someone who does not have our best interests in mind, Al. I suspect Jack can't time travel without them knowing." He looked apologetic. "I'm sorry. I know you like him. But he is an investigative agent, like Armstrong and Archer were."

Agent or no, Al still thought Jack liked him and wanted to help because he cared. "So that means he has other plans." He couldn't face Edward, not knowing his brother was right about Jack. "Brother, he wants us to contact the rift."

"Yes." The wind threatened to steal Edward's brim hat, forcing the young man to grab it and shove the fedora down on his head. "If it means anything, Al, I believe him when he says he cares for you."

Al's hopes rose a little. Brother wasn't gloating, he was trying to make him feel better. "Are you sure, brother?"

Edward nodded. "Jack wants to be a hero. Heroes don't let kids suffer. To be honest, I don't think he has a convenient way of getting us home. If he did, he would have done it."

"Really?" Alphonse leaned into his chair looking up to the overhang above his head. For a moment he wondered why his brother was making the effort, he hated Jack, why defend him all the sudden. "But why not? Why can't he take us home brother?"

"Traveling in time is different than traveling to parallel realities. They don't have the hang of that. They have theories, Al. That's about it." Edward explained. He touched Al's knee and gave it a squeeze. "Jack and I talked the other night. The people he works for wanted him to take one of us back. We have something they don't and I suspect it is the gate, and access to the truth. With that knowledge, they just may gain access to traveling to other realities."

It was a simple enough solution, and Al toyed with it. Yes it did make sense, and Jack seemed to be rather ignorant to the gateway and what it could do. "You mean they don't want alchemy?"

"I'm guessing they do, Jack did mention the term weapon was used in referral to us." Edward looked troubled. "But, I think there is a lot more to this. And Jack, he's not willing to discuss it because he thinks the less we know, the better off we are. I'm not sure I like that, but I can understand it. It's not like we haven't done that tactic before."

"Yes we have." Al agreed. "I'm just glad you think he means well."

"Hmp, don't tell him though. It'll go to his head, and I still hate his guts." Edward lowered his feet to the deck and stretched. He shoved his notebook into his pocket and folded his blanket. "Talking about Jack, I suppose we should get back to the room before he makes a move on Noa."

Alphonse couldn't help but laugh. He stood, and wrapped an arm about his brother. It surprised him, when Edward leaned into his side, frail body looking for support. He lost too much weight, Al thought. "I'd be more concerned about him around you." He smirked, as they set off down

the deck. "Him liking little ass's and all."

His brother's face twitched into that familiar smirk. "Watch it Al, I'd like you to live long enough to get home."

&&&&

"Are you sure you want to do this, Al?" Jack's words followed him as he opened the door to their room.

"It's ok. Jack, you take Noa to dinner. Brother needs me." Alphonse replied straying a glance to Jack and Noa as they looked back at him. Noa stood near the wall, hands folded, worry in her gaze, while Jack, dressed in a tuxedo, watched after him, suspicious. They were reluctant to leave Edward, Noa, stayed at his side for most of the

afternoon, but the stubborn blond Alchemist insisted they all leave for dinner.

"Alphonse." Noa wrung her fingers together and studied the book he held in his arms. She suspected what he was up too. Her psychic ability was rarely fooled by misdirection. "Perhaps with a little more rest he'll feel better."

"You know that isn't true, Noa." Alphonse replied. He cracked the door open a bit wider and looked in. "Please, enjoy yourself tonight. I'll take care of brother, but I need to do this alone."

Reluctant, Jack gestured down the hall. "Before you do anything kid, might be good for you to eat a little something. You've been at the books all day, we'll be in port tomorrow, might be better if you do this once we've gotten a place in Cardiff. After you're rested and fed."

"I appreciate the worry, Jack, but brother can't wait." Alphonse simply replied. He slipped into the room, ignoring the cloud of concern that followed him. They had enough knowledge of Alchemy to know what he was about to do might have costs that could harm him.

But Alphonse Elric had considered that cost. If brother was right, Envy had a plan, as did the gate. Alphonse wasn't the Fullmetal Alchemist. His heart wasn't into the battle like Edward. In the end, it was better for all of them for Edward to be well.

Closing the door behind him, he stared into the room. Eyes adjusting to the low glaring light of the single electric lamp on the wall, he saw his brother.

Edward lay curled up on the sofa at the far side of the parlor, pale face pressed up into a fluffy feather pillow. A heavy down comforter was draped over his slender form. Al didn't know exactly when Edward stopped eating, it might have been a few days ago. It really showed

now. Edward Elric was dangerously thin.

Alphonse couldn't shake the idea of how animals stopped eating when they were ready to die. Was brother getting ready to die? He hugged his book tighter, recalling their discussion the other night. Edward wanted to send him home, and from what Al could tell, the young man

wouldn't live through the process.

Al grit his teeth, aware Ed would easily be able to send him home if he gave his own life and soul to the gate to do it. A sacrifice Al found unacceptable.

Crossing the floor, Al walked to the center of the room and carefully removed the Persian carpet. After rolling it up he propped it against the fine carved panels and examined the room. It was large with a coffee table in front of the sofa, with a loveseat, and two Louis the 14th cushioned chairs. Everything was oak, with golden and red paisley upholstery. He only had to move two chairs aside and was

surprised to find Edward still sleeping after the affair.

He flickered a glance at Einstein. The animal cocked his head and sauntered up to Al looking him in the eye.

"Yes, I know you are worried." Al said to the animal. He pat it on the head. "But I will be fine. But I advise you to leave and nap in the other room. It might get a little windy in here."

The kitten purred, head bumping into his hand before turning around and trotting over to the other room.

Sighing in relief, Alphonse Elric pulled out his notebook and mentally prepared his calculations. He had specially designed his array to help in the transfer of biological components. It was a difficult process and he wanted to use living materials for equivalent exchange. Living

materials, according to his research were vital for his brother's recovery.

He wouldn't use the gate for the transmutation, only the information he gleamed from the truth and his medical books. The rest of the power and materials necessary would come from him as a philosopher's stone.

Satisfied he had enough floor to work with, Alphonse carefully cut his hand, and made a blood circle. It was painful, and took a great deal of time and fair amount of blood, but he succeeded within the hour to draw the array.

It was the sum total logarithm for what made up a healthy human being combined with the calculations for completing a philosopher's stone. The design was complex, and detailed. He had added formulas for blood

and bone marrow as well as equations for the transferring of souls and channeling of power.

Alphonse glanced at Edward. The older boy hadn't moved, and he was talking in his sleep.

At least, some things hadn't changed. Alphonse Elric slowly loosened his bow tie and unbuttoned his cufflinks. Jack had dressed him in a black and white tux for dinner. It was tight and uncomfortable. He preferred his knickers and his wool slacks.

It took a moment to undress, and neatly place his folded clothing on a chair next to the couch.

Undressing Edward was difficult. The boy was light as a feather. So removing his clothing wasn't the problem. It was just doing it without waking him. Luck was with Al. His brother was too exhausted and weak. He only stirred once when Al lifted his torso to remove his sweater

and pullover shirt.

Picking up Edward wasn't difficult. He was a scant 60 pounds now, barely anything for Al, who, even shorter than Edward, weighed more due to the stockiness of his young frame.

Edward's head rolled, face pressing up into Al's cheek. It was still warm, and soft breaths puffed from his pale lips. It was apparent to Al, whatever strength Edward showed for their escape was rapidly fading. Even if he wasn't being exposed to the redwater, the damage was done and his body would not make the proper repairs.

Holding his brother close, Al walked to the center of the circle. His hand still bled and blood smeared on Edward's shoulder as he gently lowered him to his feet. Holding the young man up, Al embraced him. Their nude bodies were pressed close together, and Al felt his brother's weight fall against him.

Half lidded golden orbs opened, and peered at him. "Al?" Edward mumbled in a sleepy daze.

"It's alright brother." Al reassured. Long blond strains drifted into Edward's eyes, as he blinked away the sleep and balanced himself.

"Alphonse?" Awareness flickered, across Edward's features, making those golden eyes narrow and his mouth become a thin line. Edward Elric looked around himself and down at the array.

"I love you brother." Al kissed his brow and brought his hands together.

The sharp sting of the clap filled the room with the thunder of glowing red lightning. Alphonse felt a tingling as light swept up his body and the blood red etchings of the philosopher's stone array bled though his flesh. They glowed with the same intensity as the markings on the floor.

Ed's body jerked in his arms. Feeble, he struggled, face fluent with worry. "Al, Al, what are you using for equivalent exchange? You have to stop this Al…"

He couldn't stop, not now. Holding the young man tighter, Al pressed his face into his brother's neck, feeling the heat rise from the red lines appearing on Edward's body. Already he saw the pale marble flesh on Edward's face blaze with golden light and a prickling of pain lance down his own spine.

With an effort, Al formed the calculations in his mind, knowing, as the agony grew, his own blood, organs and spine were being depleted and used for Edward. Yet though the haze he forced his thoughts to focus. It was for brother, brother needed to live, brother needed him to remake his disease-ridden body into something stronger and healthier.

Weakness assailed him as Al's soul strained against the drain as power flooded out of him and into his broken brother's body.

Energy wrapped around Edward. It rippled, flowing into his form like tides of an unbound sea and the lines on him brightened, and reformed. Al felt Edward's body lifted up and out of his arms.

Edward was becoming a complete philosopher's stone. He'd no longer be unstable. Tears filled Al's eyes and the boy found himself becoming unsteady. It was strange, he could almost hear his brother's thoughts whisper in his mind, as if their very souls and bodies were becoming one.

Alphonse's legs wobbled. The anguish became unbearable. Determined, he gritted his teeth, and felt his body blaze as it transformed into light.

A moment later, he knew no more.

&&&&